PHYS-C0256 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Lecture, 7.1.2025-14.2.2025

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course the student

  1. Can explain the basic concepts of statistical physics, which include micro- and macrostates, ensembles, partition function, Boltzmann distribution, and equipartition theorem.
  2. Can explain the concept of entropy according to both classical thermodynamics and the fundamental principles of statistical physics, and determine changes of entropy in thermodynamic processes.
  3. Can explain the concept of a thermodynamic potential and formulate a suitable thermodynamic potential for a simple physical system for studies of spontaneous processes.
  4. Can explain the concept of an open quantum system and identify the quantum-mechanical density operator corresponding to a basic quantum system.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 07.01.2025 - 14.02.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Jami Kinnunen, Jukka Pekola

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The basic concepts and assumptions of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The basics of the kinetic theory of gases and simple transport phenomena in ideal gases. Entropy and thermodynamic potentials. The basics of ensemble theory: microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Introduction to the theory of quantum thermodynamics and applications. 

     

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching methods: Lectures, exercises, and group assignments.

    Assessment methods: Pre-lecture assignments, exercises, group assignments, exam or home exam as part of the course grading.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    48 h contact teaching

    72 h independent study

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    S. J. Blundell and K. M. Blundell, Concepts in Thermal Physics (Oxford University Press 2006) and other material distributed via the MyCourses work space.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III
    2025-2026 Spring III

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof